Diet Fads That Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Athletes Must Avoid

Diet fads promise a short-cut to success. They sound like a simple plan that you follow and gain the fitness level you wanted. This is the reason why most people fall for them. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes are under a constant pressure to perform well and maintain their weight and fitness. This makes them more susceptible to these fads. However, these diets dont deliver what they promise always. And in the longer run, they often do more harm than good.

Most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes are under the perception that a protein intensive diet is right for them as it helps them build muscle mass. However, the fact is that an athlete should get only 12 to 15 per cent of his calorie intake from protein. If protein is consumed in excess, it can cause calcium excretion and lead to weak bones. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes also tend to avoid carbohydrates. Many do not realize that this could lead to Ketosis and cause organ failure in the longer run.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes also tend to resort to starvation diets. They skip meals to lose weight. Some athletes also try to have cycles of fasting and binge eating. Little do they realize that this formula only makes it tougher to lose weight. In the long run, the athletes body learns to store fat to use when he fasts. In addition, when a person starves, his body burns muscle mass first for all its energy needs. This loss of muscle can impair a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes performance.

Sometimes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes also try to lose weight instantly by getting rid of the water content of their body. They consume diuretics, exercise in a sauna or wear plastic suits during workouts to lose water content. Such practices could lead to severe dehydration and hamper an athletes performance. The athlete can experience lack of endurance and decreased blood circulation and muscle strength.

Weight-loss can be effective and permanent only when it is attained through proper diet and exercise. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes must consult a nutritionist or a certified weight trainer to know their ideal weight and plan to achieve it.